Book Mundakayam Tour
Package

After 45 hours of gruelling train journey, we, four wanderlusts came to the capital city of God's Own Country. Our hotel was clearly visible by it's large glowing billboard from the platform. Hotel Highland could make a headline for it's brilliant Restaurant. Their overall service was also decent. Read More

After 45 hours of gruelling train journey, we, four wanderlusts came to the capital city of God's Own Country. Our hotel was clearly visible by it's large glowing billboard from the platform. Hotel Highland could make a headline for it's brilliant Restaurant. Their overall service was also decent.

From Varkala, we took a bus to Trivandrum, our next destination. The capital of Kerala, its one the crowded cities in Kerala, situated on the west coast of India, and is bounded by Laccadive Sea to its west and the Western Ghats to its east. Like any other city, Trivandrum also has innumerable restaurants, which didn't fail to excite a foodie like me. Hotel Rehmaniya serves delicious beef, mutton and appam. Sneak into Hotel ZamZam for Malabari-style biriyani, and Hotel South Park for Onasadya, a typical Kerala recipe that will make your taste-buds go crazy!

Next morning we went to the main beech for breakfast and after strolling a bit on the beech we packed our bags for the next destination, Kolvalam. We reached Trivandrum by afternoon and checked in a hotel there. Then we headed to Kovalam which just 15 kms from there. Again quiet a descent beech by Indian standards but it was heavy crowded and we could not find any patch where we could just be alone. So we destined ourselves to enjoy the crowd. The sunset was quiet beautiful the best of all was yet to come.Day 7:- Trivandrum to Kanyakumari

On the D-day , we reached Trivandrum in the evening. The weather gods were happy and it was drizzling that time. We took a taxi from the airport itself and set course to Varkala. It took us almost 2 hrs to reach the place. Our guest house was located 5 minute off the main road. The location was perfect for a peaceful stay.It was a traditionally kerala house with a wide backyard, coconut trees, garden in front and so colorfully painted. I was just in love with the location of guest house and the ambience.The settings of the rooms were equally bright. One room with yellow ambience and other with blue.Equipped with mosquito nets and WiFi. Attached bathroom with hot water facility was also available.Pretty decent rooms. Ayurvedic consultation and treatment is also available.

The next day I woke up early at 5.00 am to get the view of sunrise at beach. I went along the rock path, which was already occupied by some people. The sight was really beautiful. We can be able to see the sun coming out slowly to spread the brightness.

Finally the day came when my most memorable trip had to end and boy! it was tough to leave such a beautiful state behind. The pizza night, station incident, the backwaters and the fresh aroma of the spice plantations, such were the memories of my trip.A Yahoo! answer to the question “Why is Kerala called God’s own country” turned up this: “Nestled between the pristine waters of the Arabian sea on the west and the lush Western Ghat mountains on the east, its intense network of rivers and lagoons, thick forests, exotic wildlife, tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters and a long shoreline of serene beaches make it a traveler’s paradise.”

Thiruvananthapuram… Day 1I landed in Thiruvananthapuram which is the capital city of Kerala. I had been told that it offers splendid palaces like Padmanabhapuram Palace and Kanakakunnu Palace, beaches like Kovalam, Varkala, Shankumukham and Azhimala, hill stations like Ponmudi and other attractions like Poovar at a stone’s throw. And so here I was with my family…absolutely looking forward to my stay here.Once a calm fishing village clustered around its crescent beaches, Kovalam is known as the Paradise of the South and is just 16 kms away from Trivandrum. We had already made our bookings in a resort situated here in Kovalam. True to its name Kovalam presents an endless sight of tall and graceful coconut trees. We enjoyed the views on our way.We were given a warm welcome in an absolute tranquil, beautiful, calm, pure lobby with soft incense fragrance flowing in the air! It could not have been better! It was an absolutely green place with small traditionally built cottages nestled among the tall and handsome coconut trees. The best part being that it is situated just on the long shoreline with a serene beach, clean and accessible only to the guests. It also is a destination for Ayurvedic health holidays and we were blessed to have an in-resort spa with such blissful facilities.The art-lover in me was completely enchanted with the artistically done restaurant. Bright paintings adorned the walls. Fresh flowers on each table were very welcoming and the best was the soothing Sanskrit mantras that played in the background making the atmosphere totally pristine.Kerala has an exotic cuisine and although we are vegetarians we were completely spoilt for choice by the chef. Kerala is known as the "land of Spices". Even the Kerala cuisine is known for its spicy and hot foods. Traditionally, in Kerala food is served on a banana leaf. Almost every dish prepared in Kerala has coconut and local spices. The unusual cuisine of Kerala brings to the fore the culinary expertise of the people of Kerala.After the gastronomical journey we set out for the lighthouse. The 35 m lighthouse at Kovalam is situated on top of the palm-covered Kurumkal Hill. Visitors can climb the spiraling staircase inside, to the top of the red and white tower and enjoy a spectacular view of the surroundings. The lighthouse offers an amazing view of the moon- shaped beach and the famous Vizhinjam mosque.After a great evening at the beach we were back to our cottage in the resort.At night the waves sang us lullabies and how I loved falling to sleep with that sound. In the morning they wished us good morning with a lot of energy and cheering.An awesome breakfast awaited us to treat our taste buds to some of the finest dishes of Kerala. The hospitality exhibited by the staff touched my heart.

Travel stories are incomplete without some great people that you meet along the way. I decided to couchsurf for the first 2 days of my trip. Jayakrishnan ("JK" as his loved ones call him) accepted my request and I landed at his house in Trivandrum. Rahul was already there. He was the other guy who was couchsurfing at JK's. Rahul has been into wildlife conservation since the age of 16. He took it up formally and now works with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and it's truly astonishing what he has accomplished at the age of 22. He has dedicated his entire focus on otters and their conservation in India. Once he spent 3 months in solitude in a tent on an island in the Ganges (Gangetic floodpain) to study the behaviour of otters and educating the villagers about their conservation.JK and his cousins, who I must add are absolutely fantastic hosts, took us out to, Sri Mulam Club, one of the oldest clubs in Trivandrum, where we met Balan Madhavan. He is a member of the International League of Conservation Photographers (ILCP) and an acclaimed wildlife photographer. He spoke at length to us and spoke his heart out; about elephants, about conservation, about photography, about humanitarian causes and about life. We discussed about the loss of habitat and nomadic routes of the elephants. He said, "If today an elephant wants to kill human beings, he has every right to do so for all the cruel things we have ever done." We sat in silence for a while, had our drinks and parted after exchanging phone numbers.Kerala is unlike any state I had visited. It is crazy green and there's abundant water everywhere. It has mountains, it has beaches, it has lakes, it has backwaters, it has thick forests, it is very clean, offers lip-smacking food; truly God's Own Country. The people are calmer and mindful of the fact that public spaces are truly public. I visited the Trivandrum and the Cochin railway stations and there wasn't any clamour or shouting. People were disciplined and the stations were very clean. some things else; jackfruits, coconuts, fish and beef are ample.Trivandrum, as a city, seemed very royally humble; green overlay, clean roads, vintage buildings in white, windowless buses and a knack for rains. It's neither crowded like the metros, nor are the roads crammed with cars. Public transportation is great and the buses are not overcrowded. In fact, I travelled extensively in KSRTC buses and never faced any issue of delay or discomfort. Moreover, there are a considerable number of food-joints that offer you brilliant food 24X7.

This national park is the breathtaking home of a plethora of precious flora and fauna, and lies along the Western Ghats. Considered the magnum opus of Kerala, the park provides magnificent panoramic views of tea plantations and rolling hills blanketed in mist. The grasslands protect the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and harbour several other species of animals, birds and butterflies, including a new species of frog that was discovered recently.
Eravikulam park becomes a sought after destination when the hill slopes get veiled by a carpet of blue, a miraculous phenomena caused by the flowering of Neelakurinji, which blooms only once in 12 years. Anamudi, translating to elephant's forehead and located within the park, is the highest peak of South India and its might and height of 8,842 ft can be enjoyed from a distance at Rajamala, from where the endangered Nilgiri Tahr can also be observed.
The park provides a number of safaris for convenient and safe tourism around the park. The Kurinji Trail, which follows through misty tracks of protected animals and flowery grasslands, is a must for trekking lovers. Another famous but charming spot is the Lakkom Waterfalls, which provide an enchanting view along with an eco-shop cafeteria to eat at. Close to these falls is a log house, which offers comfortable accommodation with complimentary food and the much desired solitude and peace amidst the lap of nature. Read More

This renowned hill station once housed the Madras Presidency during the British Rule and possesses many remnants in the form of regal looking bungalows, such as the Stone House, The Ootacamund Club, Government House and Fernhill Palace. This along with the tall pine trees in the green areas almost makes you believe you are in old English country.
Ooty is also home to some of the most breathtaking lakes in the country, such as the Avalanche Lake, Emerald Lake and the popular Ooty Lake. For some adventure, one can hop on the Nilgiri Toy Train and enjoy a ride through the blue mountains, winding through dense forests, dark tunnels and valleys from Ooty to Coonoor.
Ooty is heaven for nature lovers and a trek through the Mukurthi National Park will be etched on your mind for years to come, offering a stunning panorama of carpet like green hills, home to the tallest peak of the Nilgiri Range, several wildflowers and beauties such as the Nilgiri Tahr, Bengal Tiger, Indian Elephant, Leopard, Bonnet Macaque, Mouse Deer, Otter, Small Indian Civet and many more. If you still want more, you can take a mesmerising walk through the charming 19th century Government Botanical Gardens.
Ooty's beauty can be explored more adventurously with everything from horse riding to hand gliding and mountain biking, all arranged by various resorts. Avid readers will be overwhelmed to visit the 19th century Nilgiri Library, sheltering around 25,000 books and hosting many events to promote reading habits among all age groups.
Chocoholics should place King Star on the top of their itineraries for purchasing a plethora of delicious homemade chocolates. More delicious food from vegetarian, cafe to non-vegetarian cuisines can be enjoyed at popular places such as Quality Restaurant, Earl's Secret and Willy's Coffee Pub, which also has a commendable library for one to delve into while enjoying their drink. Witness Ooty come alive in the month of May, with its vibrant boat races and flower shows, hosted across the town.Read More

This is among the few places I visited before I fell in love with travelling. Ooty is a 255km drive from Bengaluru. Bengaluru itself is a beautiful place and you don't need too much reasons to visit. What adds to the experience is this hill station. One can travel from their personal car or hire a car. Other than car, buses are also easily available.

As there were no 1-bedroom apartments available for the next day, we were allotted a couple of hotel units (it's essentially room + bathroom). We explored the area a bit in the morning before the amazing continental breakfast at Ascot. We reached the clubhouse after a bit of a climb and discovered a number of hidden gems there, including a 6-player Carrom board. The pencil sketches made by the previous guests were really interesting - it was almost homely.

The journey to Ooty was by far the most memorable road trip I have had yet. And the fact that we rented a vehicle (and not hired one with a driver) made the experience so much better. From cruising on the well maintained roads to trying to find an inexistent road and retracing our path by about 4-5km, we experienced it all. We discovered during this experience that the people in the small towns here feel really happy to help others out - never before had I seen anybody so enthusiastic about guiding us towards our destination, be it a lady carrying vegetables home or a pan-shop entrepreneur! Our ascent to Ooty finally began at about 5.45pm after we finally found a small restaurant where we stopped for tea. I dreaded the ghat section because I was really prone to carsickness as a teen - however this time was something different. We rolled down the windows and took in the freshest air possible, sang along with the songs on the phone, cracked jokes, enjoyed the beautiful scenery outside, observed the fluffy clouds, looked out for monkeys, and finally witnessed the sun take the rest of the day off. The most interesting part of this journey was seeing the buses travel up and down the slope - for a bus, the speed at which the drivers drove was just insane, and the way they navigated at the blind turns was nothing less than a work of art. By the time we reached the Club Mahindra Derby Green Resort, it was dark. We missed a couple of turns and ended up adding an additional half hour to the duration of our journey.I always look forward to staying at Club Mahindra - I love every bit of the experience, especially their hospitality (they go to extra lengths to ensure that our stay is comfortable) and the amazing food. On arrival we were greeted with hot towels, honey herbal tea, and sandalwood paste. The slightly-sweet hot tea complemented the chilly Ooty evening, and the untimely rain helped in quickening our journey from the reception to the 1-bedroom apartment (which also had a kitchenette!). The bandh interestingly proved to be beneficial for us - our room got upgraded owing to the fact that one of the guests cancelled at the last moment! We had a hearty dinner at restaurant Ascot. We were spoilt for choice when it came to dinner, as there was every cuisine we could possibly want. With minds full of eventful experiences, and tummies full of amazing food, we finally retired to our mini-apartment for the evening.

Adorned in Colonial charm, Ooty is a delightful hill town cradled in the beautiful Nilgiri Hills. The charm of the hill station lies in its laid-back luxurious grace, a surreal destination to rejuvenate in a picturesque setting and the perfect place to visit in May in India. With enthralling sights of the Doddabetta peak and the Tiger hill, Ooty is mesmerizingly graced by waterfalls and lakes. Pretty cottage dot the back alleys, and tea plantations on hill slopes add to its scenic beauty, along with terraced botanical gardens and flower cultivation.How to get there: Well-connected by roads. Coimbatore is the nearest airport and Mettupalyam is the nearest railway station.

After travelling such a long distance we finally reached Ooty . Crossed a small market area , few hotels and then went uphill . After crossing tea factory it appeared as if we have entered forest area. I became skeptical about the place but my thought changed completely after reaching the the resort - Sinclairs Retreat . Glimpse of the city from this place was so enticing . Entire city appeared like little sparkling stars in the sky.

Ooty or the Queen of the Nilgiris, which is also known as the Blue Mountains, is one of the most fascinating hill stations in south India. Located in the Western Ghats at a height of 7,500 ft, Ooty boasts of prolific vistas, tea and coffee plantations, clear lakes, hills and stunning valleys.Ooty is where the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats submerge to become one. One can encounter rare species of flora and fauna here and the roads in Ooty are often surrounded by huge Eucalyptus trees and forests that seem to end at infinity.Ooty has always been an allurement for the people in south India but now it attracts tourists from the world over. This Ooty itinerary is your one stop guide to answer all the questions that you might have as you plan your next weekend getaway to Ooty.

So, on our last day we decided to ditch the Doddabeta peak and head to avalanche lake. On reaching avalanche, there was no road that lead to the lake. We had to find a trail in the forest ans trek down the mountain to reach the lake. So we parked our two wheeler side by the road, and found a trail. We had to be careful as we feared the wild bisons and the snakes. On reaching down, we found a beautiful lake surrounded by forests. All that you can hear is the wind, the sound of the water flowing and the birds chirping. The calmness one can get at this particular place is on a whole new level. People who really want to destress and escape reality should visit these places untouched by the tourists. The lake is deep though. And the fresh air you get is unbelievable. After spending one full hour at the lake, we had to climb back and came back to Ooty. We had our lunch and boarded our bus at charing cross at about 6PM. We reached chennai the next morning. The whole trip was unforgettable. The best way to de stress and escape. And we really escaped reality and had nice stay in all these places. The best way to explore any place is to hire a vehicle and explore and just loiter around the city. The beautiful part was the view between these destinations. The journey was more beautiful than the destination.

Best time to visit - January,February,March,September,October,November,December

A major city and commercial hub in Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore offers not much in terms of touristic attractions unless you're on your way to Ooty or any of the Nilgiri hill stations. Although some places might make for really interesting stopovers, such as the Kovai Kutralam Falls, Vaidehi Waterfalls and Thoonakkadavu Lake.
For a taste of knowledge, there's the Gass Forest Museum, which is a natural history museum, or pay a visit to G.D. Naidu Industrial Exhibition, a science and exhibition centre which has a lot to exhibit in terms of innovation and science. The city is home to innumerable temples, some of them being Marudamalai and Velliangiri hill temple. Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park makes for an interesting visit for nature lovers. Places such as Shree Annapoorna, Junior Kuppanna and Anandhas Quality Vegetarian are well known for their Indian dishes.Read More

"Let's do that again!", the five of us vowed as we returned home to Coimbatore. Twenty-four hours earlier, we were upset that we had only one day of our semester holidays in common. Wanting to make the best use of that one day, I decided to give my friends a taste of Vattakanal. It is a small town a few kilometers form Kodaikanal. I had fallen in love with this place during my last visit, the previous year.So we left Coimbatore at 5 in the morning (one hour later than planned) in my Maruti Suzuki Swift ZDi. Construction work on Pollachi Road made making up for lost time impossible and gave us quite an off-roading experience. We had to tolerate bad roads till we reached Palani.(Tip 1: Consider the condition of the roads while planning your trip. This rule applies to any road trip.)

From Coimbatore, my place of interest to visit was ISHA yoga center and Adiyogi statue. I just enquired about buses & took a bus to Gandhipuram busstop, from where I got a bus to ISHA yoga center ie; Bus no. 14D which in turn passed through station from where I took bus to Gandhipuram...this is what happens when u r new to a place and don't know the local knowledge;)

Having finished the remainder of my assignment during the connecting Indigo flight, I was relieved. It was heartening to see the coconut plantations from the airplane window as we began our descent at Coimbatore. A little while later we were greeted by the tropical South-Indian weather as we made our way to the baggage claim. Since the Zoomcars request processing time is approximately three hours (we had booked the vehicle at 9am), we found ourselves with a little less than two hours to kill. My sister joined us in the meantime, and we had a short breakfast comprising of ready-to-eat noodles and ice-creams from the general store outside the airport. Little did we know about the adventures that lay ahead of us!After getting picked up by the Zoomcars representative, we headed to their nearest depot. Having completed all the formalities, we found ourselves driving to the Adiyogi Statue twenty minutes later. We had been looking forward to visiting since we saw the unveiling ceremony on TV, and our trip to Ooty was the best opportunity we could possibly think of. Google Maps had become our best friend, as the hour-long journey to the statue was really eventful - we found ourselves passing by fields of coconut trees, and small patches of land blooming with yellow and orange marigolds. A couple of bridges and a few narrow roads later, we found ourselves at the entrance of the parking lot.

Here it goes.. our road trip in the state of Tamil Nadu . This was my first core south trip so i was really excited to see the city ,people around and the culture . For few km we crossed various small towns and then ghat section started from Mettulapalam which was around 40kms from Ooty . I was enjoying the zig zag roads, lovely greenery and super fresh atmosphere .

We planned a day trip to get away from Coimbatore and since Ooty is so near by, we couldn&apos;t wish to have a better getaway place. But, we planned to do something different.. we didn&apos;t wanna roam. we just wanna enjoy the climate and the view through out the day. so, we went to Metupalayam on a bike and then to Conoor via a bus. The bus journey was pleasant in itself. We got a train from Conoor to Ooty. We were totally surprised by the views and the climate. And once we got down at Oort, we just the train back to Conoor and then to Metupalayam as well. Even though the Trip between Metupalayam and Conoor is more popluar( due to use of Steam engines), the other travels were peaceful and entertaining as well. A must try if you want a getaway from the city for a day.

coimbatore is a place where we enjoyed our first visit to the waterfalls then we went to the temples then the best part the esha which is a meditation center of coimbatore and there we spent our most of the time relaxing and meditating.

So next day I was all charged up and woke up early to take a bus to Coimbatore. It was a funny sight – I almost missed the bus and the whole bus station was shouting and whistling at the bus driver to stop it while I was running behind it with a backpack on my shoulder. I finally managed to board it and after a while occupied the seat right in the front next to the conductor. A cup of filter coffee and several dosas later I reached the Coimbatore airport where I met Pankaj who had just flown in from Mumbai.

It was time to scoot back to Tamil Nadu and reach Coimbatore. This place is a great place for foodies. Do try the filter coffee and #Mysore pak in the city and you will be left craving for more.
The city is close to the hill station Ooty. The roads are amazing and the environment pretty hospitable.

Translating to 'the gift of the forest' in the native language of Tamil Nadu and originally home to the Palaiyar tribal people, this modern city has been a retreat long since the 19th century. Located in the hills of the Dindigul district, this city was established by British bureaucrats and American Christian missionaries.
Kodaikanal offers an experience of stunning culture and natural beauty. Some famous attractions include Kodaikanal Lake, where one can always take a peaceful boat ride, Berijam Lake and Pillar Rocks. Take a walk in the pine forest or explore the Kukkal Caves and the Devil's Kitchen, a cave with a series of hidden ravines. Bear Shola falls, Glen Falls, Silver Cascade and Fairy falls make for a magical setting for nature lovers to observe and unwind.
Religious dwellings such as the La Saleth Church, Lutheran Church and Subhramanya Temple are admired famously for their intricate architecture.
For the inquisitive minds, Shembaganur Museum of Natural History, which is home to 500 species of taxidermy animals, birds and insects and the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory are great places to visit.
Coakers walk, Silent Valley View Point, Perumal Peak and 80 Mile round make for interesting walks and treks, offering breathtaking views of the plains below. Natyanjali Festival, celebrated over 4 days, is a spectacular sight to behold with dazzling dance performances and top notch acts from across the country, which one can enjoy in the months of February or March.
You can get a bite to eat at Cloud Street, Cafe Cariappa, Altaf's Cafe and Tava restaurants.Read More

From Munnar our next destination was Kodaikanal (A beautiful place situated near lake)... we hired a taxi and start our journey in early morning because we don't want to miss the scenery... we also took a sip of tea on roadside dhabas....We check in the hotel and went to the lack side... most famous place in kodaikanal... there you can take a cycle and roam around the lack and feel the natural beauty and fresh air... or you can also go for Boating that was fun because of the weather... Kodaikanal weather is so pleasant most of the time...There are also so many places to see and lost in the beauty of that places....#Pillar Rock#Suicide Point#Bear Shola Falls#Dolphin Nose#Devil's Kitchen#Pine Tree ForestThere are so many point which you will cover in your trip...Here you can buy home made choclate which is very famous and also try israeli food

It actually felt good to have people around. This is where the usual touristy stuff happens- families, couples, photographers home made chocolates, souvenirs and stuff. We spent some time walking around, bought some plums and rambutans before half-heartedly deciding to return home.(Tip 7: Try to stay for a couple of days. We did have a good time in one day. But the Princess of Hills and her younger sister are worth way more than that.)

6. Kodaikanal (Dindigul)Its name in the Tamil language means "The Gift of the Forest". Kodaikanal is referred to as the "Princess of Hill stations" and has a long history as a retreat and popular tourist destination. Much of the local economy is based on the hospitality industry serving tourism.

Why go? Kodaikanal and the nearby village of Vattakanal lie at the very end of the historical hippie trail in India. The dense forest gives you a chance to come a step closer to nature. Kodaikanal is a perfect retreat to find the calm away from the city and to also explore a completely new side of South India.Things to do: Cycle around the Kodaikanal Lake, walk to the suicide point and witness the famous Pillar Rocks of Kodai. Take a detour to Vattakanal, an offbeat hippy village where you can spend the night at one of the numerous village homestays.Budget tip for Kodaikanal: Stay at a budget homestay in Kodaikanal or Vattakanal and make sure you write a review about the places you visited on TripAdvisor, one of JetPrivilege's programme partners, and earn up to 1,525 JPMiles.

Kodaikanal might have started getting a great influx of tourists in the last decade, but it was always supposed to be a quiet settlement around the large Kodai lake. And this is what makes it so gorgeous even during the times it's filled with people. Made infamous by the notorious "magic shroom" peddling, Kodaikanal is otherwise full of endless treks and interesting natural locations, making it one of the best places to visit in India.Cheapest month: August.Weather: Pleasant. Minimum temperature – 20 degrees celsius. Maximum temperature – 32 degrees celsius.Average expenditure per head per day: Rs. 1,000.Insider tip to save further: D0n't just ask anyone on the road for shrooms. Ask your hotel manager directly for the cheapest sources.Book best hotels.Read more about Kodaikanal.

One of the most gorgeous hill stations down south has somehow gotten its name synonymous to psychedelic mushrooms (more commonly called "shrooms"). They are locally grown around Kodaikanal, and that's what the youth comes to this place for.Reasons for notoriety: Shrooms.What it should be really known for: The beautiful manmade Kodaikanal lake, the sublime Silver Cascade Falls, and the state-of-the-art Kodaikanal Solar Observatory. It should be seen as a family hill station.Book the best hotels.Read more about Kodaikanal.

If a psychedelic trip away from reality is your kind of vacation, Kodaikanal is the place to visit. The popular tourist destination in Tamil Nadu is becoming increasingly famous for its 'magic mushrooms.' Want to get a taste of this euphoria? Now you know where to go!

Best time to visit - February,March,April,May,August,September,October,December

This is the kind of place that will look good on any camera, no matter which angle you take your picture from. Emerald green hills, with mist looming over them like wandering ghosts, Munnar makes for a vacation that will be etched in your memory for years.
Munnar happens to be South India's largest tea growing region, hence a walk through its aromatic tea gardens cannot be missed. For more insight into the tea industry, the Tea Museum can make for an interesting visit. Sadly the meddling of the plantation industry with the flora and fauna, causes many species to lose their habitats and become endangered, some being the Nilgiri Thar, the Nilgiri wood-pigeon, the Grizzled Giant Squirrel, the gaur, the sambar, and the Neelakurinji flower, which blossoms only once in 12 years.
Consequently, Munnar is home to many national parks, such as the renowned Eravikulam National Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kurinjimala Sanctuary, Amaravati Reserve Forest, Anamudi Shola National Park and the Pampadum Shola National Park, a visit to which is highly educational and peaceful. More quiet and scenic spots include Devikulam Lake and Attukal waterfalls. Munnar also caters to restless spirits, who can enjoy adventure sports such as paragliding, rock climbing, rappelling and even cycling.
Some famous places to eat are Rapsy restaurant, Saravana Bhavan and Eastend, all known for their delicious non-vegetarian and vegetarian dishes. Munnar is easiest to access by road through state run or private buses, compared to flights since the nearest airport is in another city, Cochin. The nearest train station is in Aluva, although cabs and buses are easily available from both the places to reach Munnar.Read More

After chennai Darshan we went to the Munnar place of "Tea gardens" ... full of greenery with peace... less crowded so the beauty of that place was not ruined....There so many more thing to do apart from seeing tea gardens...

The most sought after tourist destination in South India, Munnar is carpeted in emerald-green tea plantations. If you're planning your next vacation to Munnar, it's imperative that you get the best of its stunning surroundings.

We visited the Eravikulam National Park famous for the endangered Nilgiri Thar. The park offers a views of rolling tea gardens misty hills. We drove past a series of waterfalls while on our way to Mattupetty Lake which is a pretty picnic spot, boating facilities are also available for the enthusiastic. We ended our day with a short stop at the local market where you can buy some freshly packed tea and spices.

Next day, we left for Munnar (Idukki district) at around 7.30 a.m., charged up to witness the hill station which every person who has visited has said it to be beautiful. We first crossed the Cheeyappara waterfall. The beautiful weather enthralled me.

A Mangalorean cottage in Munnar for a quiet getawayPicture a cottage sitting on the lush green Nilgiris, festooned with pink bougainvillaea bushes and red wildflowers. Well, it exists and is waiting for you in the small hill station of Pothamedu, in Munnar. Surrounded with paved paths that are bordered by prismatic flowerbeds, the cottage emanates a romantic atmosphere. The rooms have been styled according to a spring theme, keeping in mind the terrace gardens, tropical groves and dense foliage enveloping the place. All the bedrooms are well-furnished, with redwood décor and an attached balcony. The cottage also has a dining area on the terrace.Perfect for: Couples or honeymooners seeking a romantic hideaway in the midst of Munnar's rolling hillsSpace: The cottage is comfortable for upto three guestsWhere: In Pothamedu, a hill station in Munnar, KeralaHow to reach: Most convenient method of transport is by bus. The nearest bus stop is in Munnar, at a distance of 3.6km. The nearest railway station is Ernakulam Junction South at a distance of 128km. The Cochin International Airport is at a distance of 110km from the property.

Mistletoe Munnar is a boutique, premium home stay having five well furnished rooms with private balcony; overlooking the magnificent Kanan Devan Hills of Munnar; having a traditional clay oven cafe, a common living with library and a dining area.With a quiet neighborhood and no commercial buildings and activities near by, the night life gets into sleepy mode along with birds and to be awakened by them early.One can reach Mistletoe by car, bus and motor bikes. The highway is few meters away and all the public transport buses stop by right in front of the gate. One can stroll or follow the spice plantation trails around for evening or morning walks on their own and it is completely safe.

A thousand shades of green await you at the tea estates of Munnar. As the clouds subside, the charm of the landscaped gardens overpowers the senses. The cool wind is never too chilly and it's always pleasant to walk in the tea estates of the region. Spend a day at the 160-year-old Lockhart Tea Factory and understand the journey of the leaves from the gardens to a hot cup of tea. Walk over from the city to old Munnar for some cafe hopping to enjoy the best of continental fare with locally-brewed tea and coffee that are just right for winter.Suggested accommodation: Greenspaces B&B; rooms start at Rs 3,600You might also like: Munnar, a piece of heaven on earth by Traveller In Me.

Thrissur, the land of temples, is one of the most visited cities in Kerala. The waterfalls and the scenic temples here offer one a mix of nature, history and culture.
Among the most significant temples, the Vadakummnathan temple is a must visit. The temple is slightly orthodox and allows only Hindus to enter. The temple is known for its antique murals and paintings and even if you aren't spiritual, do visit the temple for its beauty and brilliant architecture.
Another stunning spot in Thrissur is the Athirappilly Waterfalls. The space around the waterfalls is the perfect picnic spot allowing you an unobstructed view of the gushing waters. Though, like all waterfalls, this one is in all its glory during monsoons, but you can still spend a day here irrespective of the season.
Among other important temples, Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thiruvambadi Krishna Shrine and Triprayar Sri Rama Temple are a must visit. A day in Thrissur is more than enough to explore the city and if you have plans to head to the popular backwaters, let Thrissur be a short stop. Read More

The vibrance of the culture of Kerala is best highlighted during the annual festivals dedicated to the village deities. Thrissur Pooram is one of these post-harvest festivals that promises a grand spectacle to travellers who wish to be a part of local culture during their travels. The festival is celebrated from April to May and showcases a spectacle of an assembly of village deities on bedecked elephants from around the region. The procession reaches the Vadakumnathan Temple, where a strict ritual for 36 long hours is an absolute sight to behold for any visitor in town.Suggested accommodation: Clayfingers - Art Cottages; rooms start at Rs 4,000You might also like: Vadakumnathan Temple, Thrissur: A stillness within the chaos by Shilpa Shinde

Then on next dayWe spent the whole day in clicking pictures and meeting all new relatives of my sister. Having typical south India breakfast and lunch, then we went to near hotel to enjoy the reception ceremony.

Athirapally: One place you shouldn't miss while on Kochi. 85 km from the city centre. Athirapally and vazhachal waterfalls can be covered in a day trip basis. The beauty of the waterfalls can only be matched by its vastness. Nobody can actually describe it so it's better to watch it for yourselves.

Payyanur to thrissur (250km) :Road to calicut or kozhikode is filled with twisties and forests. Though the road is 2 lane, its still a treat to drive on. It Always keeps you on your toes. No trip to calicut is complete without a chicken biriyani at the world famous PARAGON hotel! By having The biriyani, suleimani and milk sarbath you are having a slice of calicut culture which dates back to the olden days. A ride on the jhangar boat in beypore is also a novel experience. Thrissur is just about 120kms from here. Easily accesible yet confusing once you reach the city. So we rode as a group in the thrissur city. The city is built around the vadakunnathan temple. The vadakunnathan temple is an ancient hindu temple dedicated to lord shiva. This temple is a classic example of the architectural style of kerala and has monumental towers on all four sides and also a kuttambalam. Mural paintings depicting various episodes from mahabharata can be seen inside the temple.Tip: Guruvayur temple is just 27km from thrissur city and can be covered easily

Post breakfast and a stopover at a petrol pump, I headed off to see my late grandma’s place in Thrissur. With the past two days spent in the lap of greenery and serenity, I didn’t much enjoy the hustle-bustle that came from what had become a grand city in southern India, yet I was in awe of its technology parks and religious diversity! On one side, I could kneel to pray at the Lady of Dolors Basilica, Palayur Church and the Lourdes Cathedral, and on the other hand, I bowed down to offer prayers at the Cheraman Juma Masjid, Vadakumnathan Temple and Thiruvambadi Temple.
The next morning, with a half-day stopover at the ancient pilgrim center of Guruvayoor, I headed off for a ride through the Athirapally & Vazhachal Waterfalls.

Best time to visit - January,February,August,October,November,December

This seventh largest city of Kerala is popular for its houseboat cruises along the Kerala backwaters.
Alappuzha is bedecked with lagoons, beaches and canals and offers lots of water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, sailing and water skiing, to unwind during your vacation. The backwaters also happen to be the venue for the annually celebrated (January and August) Nehru Cup Snake Boat Race, where long serpentine boats being rowed with rhythmic furor by able-bodied Malayali men, is a spectacular site to behold.
Some other famous attractions include Alleppey Beach, Andhakaranazhi Beach, Vemband Lake, Mannarasala Temple and the Alappuzha Light House, which offers a stunning panoramic view of the city and the coastline, especially during sunsets. One can also take a speed boat to Pathiramanal Island, a quiet and picturesque island on the backwaters where one can witness hundreds of rare migratory birds from around the world.
South India is culturally rich and its abundance can be enjoyed through its music, dance and spirituality. Many resorts organise cultural shows in the evening where one can enjoy the traditional dance of Kerala and one of the oldest theatre forms of the world, Kathakali.
Places such as Thaff Delicacy, Dreamers Cafe and Restaurant, Mushroom Restaurant and Kream Korner Art Cafe are famous for delicious local, vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Alappuzha can be reached by air, the nearest airport being Cochin International Airport, which is 83 km from the city, while buses and trains are also available.Read More

4. Allepey, a town with picturesque canals, backwaters, beaches and lagoons; described as the “Venice of the East” by Lord Curzon himself has a lot to offer to the discerning traveler but I was interested in the backwaters , hence I dug deeper peering in to the large scale google maps to decide which part of the backwater channels would be most captivating .

Alleppey, like Kumarakom is famous for its backwaters. Also, one should also opt for 1 night stay in the houseboat. The experience is surreal and most of the houseboats provide great hospitality. It is an experience which one should definitely not miss.

No matter what your travel plans are for winter, you would always be happy to swap it for a blissful stay on a houseboat in Alleppey. The backwater tours in Alleppey are the best way to explore the coastal life of this town. Winter time is also the time of celebration in Alleppey and the festival of Mullackal Chiraq is celebrated with full fervour. Hop off the boat and get a taste of the natural wonders around Alleppey during a visit to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and the Punnamada Lake. Evening are meant to be spent at the beachside and the beaches of Alleppey and Marari are just the right spots to watch the sea swell.Suggested accommodation: Soma House Boat; rooms start at Rs 7,500You might also like: A New Me and a New Year in God's Own Country by Ankita Jaiswal

We woke up early morning & headed toward Sri Krishna Temple - Its peaceful and very old . Mens needs to take out the shirts while entering in the temple , Take Prasad from out side of the temple . They will cut slips once you enter in the temple for females its different as well as males . Post returning the resort we had breakfast and headed towards the famous backwater to experience the luxury of Houseboat -legendary backwaters of Kerala & some mind boggling sceneries. House boat is a private boat with fully furnished spacious & bath attached bed rooms, hygiene kitchen, dining area and private front deck to capture thebeauty of the back waters. Overnight in the house boat . The Boat Starts in noon with welcome drinks and lunch , Cruises till 5:30pm . Rest overnight and enjoy the dinner at houseboat only . Morning it starts at 7:30 enjoy the Breakfast at the houseboat deck and witness the beauty .

After breakfast Check out your resort and drive to Alleppey ; also known as Venice of the east by its special geographical features as the place is famous for its vast back water stretches and paddy fields. We choose to stay in the Resort for the First day and this was the best decision . We were confused weather to stay in the houseboat or in the Resort hence we spent two days in Alleppey . On reaching Alleppey we started for Karishna Puram Palace - which is a great Monument of History & St. Sebastian's Church in Arthunkal church which is 200 years old . & Some time on Marari Beach - Its clean , less crowd except some shops .As soon as we finished the church we headed toward the resort to see the sun set - Alleppey Beach Garden its a private property where you can spent some quality time and its on the shore . The background music of the waves will always be there to entertain you .

Day 8: Enjoy the Backwaters in AlleppeyHere comes our dream place, the Houseboat in Alleppey. We started from Thekkady early morning around 10 am after having our breakfast and reached Alleppey by 2 pm. We opted for Krishna Houseboats which was semi-luxurious. As we entered into the boat, there was a single word that came out, a big WOW !!! A boat in form of a hotel/restaurant whatever you call it. We kept our bags and started exploring the boat. It started and the guide offered us a welcome drink.Backwater, nearby villages, local people - these were the things we captured in our memory. Guide himself cooked some delicious food for us (both veg & non-veg). In the evening, we had some Pakora's with ginger tea and finally we stopped by some village to explore it further. We got down and spoke to some local people about their life. What an amazing experience we had. We will recommend that everyone should visit Alleppey atleast once in their lifetime.

If somebody thinks about planning a trip to Kerala, houseboat stay in the middle of backwaters of Vembanad Lake either in Alleppey or Kumarakom should be the nucleus of it. We enjoyed every bit of the houseboat package. In the evening we also strolled through the beautiful Alapphuzha beach.

We started our day early as it was our last day here in Kerala, Alleppey being a coastal town is very humid and hot. After two days in Munnar , it took us some time to adjust to the weather. Our first stop was Mararikulam beach. Most of the people dont know of this clean and cozy beach in the Marari village which is 15 km away from Alleppey on the Kochi highway. Believe me this is one of the best beaches on Western coast and very clean as there are very few visitors. Go for a dip in the morning and sip on fresh coconut water for a relaxed morning. Watching my mom and dad play in the water like kids was surprising !! This is what travel is all about, discovering the curious, playful kids in us. We reached our boat house by lunch time, after a quite heavy lunch with fresh sea food and a beautiful sunset with just water all around us. Wondering how beautiful mother earth can be, we ended our trip !!